Buffalo is on the verge of a great renaissance; however, our continued success is contingent upon our next generation of leaders.
Supporting BISON is a great investment – perhaps the best investment you can make in our community. Educated communities tend to be healthier, more productive, and more stable. It is because of this that we believe BISON’s mission is as important as ever. We are especially grateful to our supporters who understand the importance of our mission.
With over 90% of our budget directly program-related funding 1,900 children at 77 diverse schools across Western New York, BISON is a unique and quality investment in our city’s future. When you make a gift to the BISON Fund, your dollars go directly to scholarships that help students attend quality and safe schools.
The BISON Fund is proud to receive Charity Navigator’s highest rating (4 star) for our efficiency and transparency! This is the 10th consecutive year that BISON has earned this top distinction, validating that our donor dollars directly support our mission of providing tuition assistance to low-income children in a fiscally responsible way. This “exceptional” designation differentiates the BISON Fund from our peers and demonstrates to the public BISON’s commitment to WNY’s future leaders is ingrained in everything we do and represents the top 5% of rated charities nationwide.
The BISON Fund is honored to be a partner of the Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF), a national K-8 scholarship organization. CSF matches contributions to BISON ($1 for every $5 contributed). Gifts to BISON are matched, first by CSF, then by the scholarship families, highly leveraging your investment. Since 1999, CSF has invested nearly $5 million into the WNY community.
To give securely online, please click here.
Please make check payable to:
“The BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund”
Please mail check to:
The BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund
Attn: Clara S. Moran
284 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Please contact Clara S. Moran at 716.854.0869 or [email protected] to request instructions.
The BISON Fund is eligible to receive donor designated funds through the United Way. BISON’s code is 1299.
Besides a direct contribution to fund BISON scholarships, there are several ways to get involved with BISON:
For more information, please contact Clara S. Moran at 716.854.0869 or [email protected]
The BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization supported by a community of committed donors who are passionate about education. Your donation is tax deductible and every cent of every dollar donated goes directly to helping these children get the education they deserve.
A 2009 graduate of the Kadimah School, Sarah Philomena Appleton (Phillie), continued her education at Buffalo Seminary. She started at the University at Buffalo this fall.
Phillie’s love of learning is evident in her classes. She is lively and engaged as she wrestles with the subject matter. Teachers remark “Phillie was a leader in the classroom … I was always impressed by her ability to think of solutions to problems in a nontraditional matter.” Her favorite subject is history and consequently loves to travel since the opportunity presents itself to learn about history and the people who make it.
Phillie plays the violin and piano, sings in the glee club, and recently has taken up riding
“I was always a persistent and enthusiastic student in the classroom. My mother saw that and was determined to give me the best education available. She enrolled me at St. Joseph’s University School for kindergarten, and I loved it. I lost my dad in 6th grade which left my mom to raise four girls on her own and tuition became difficult to pay. With the help of the BISON Fund, I completed my journey at St. Joe’s. I went on to Sacred Heart Academy and am now a sophomore at Cornell University. I am a biological sciences major and plan to be an Epidemiologist. The BISON Fund is a big part of my success, and without it, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
St. Joseph’s University School ’14
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart ’18
Cornell University ’22
A 2009, graduate of St. Joseph’s University School, Keith continued his education at Cardinal O’Hara High School. He was a dedicated student and athlete, participating in Football and Basketball. His dedication emerged among his teammates, being named Most Improved Player in basketball and the Captain of the Football team. His favorite class was economics, which taught him real-world money management skills.
His other activities included Boy Scouts, Campus Ministry, and summer employment at area summer youth programs.
Keith graduated from Cardinal O’Hara and is currently studying Criminal Justice at Buffalo State College. He chose this major to help others and make the world a better place.
Keith credits the BISON Fund for helping him get to where he is today.
Lawrence graduated from St. Joseph’s University School and continued his academic career at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. Lawrence took advantage of all that a St. Joe’s education has to offer. His teachers described him as having effective time management skills, strong work ethic, and being able to work well in group situations.
In addition to his academic courses, he was a member of both the football and track & field team. His extra-curricular activities included the Big Brothers Program, French Club, and various volunteer work.
At St. Joe’s Lawrence was known for his quiet, positive, and polite demeanor. He was the type of student who worked toward the “group goal” without ever expecting any recognition.
Lawrence started this fall at the University of Hartford.